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what you are looking for. Enjoy and good luck in your search
efforts!What
follows below has been transcribed for this site by Nancy Kendrick as
edited
by Debbie Quick for original publication by the Historical Association
of South Jefferson in 1999. Reminiscences of Adams was originally
read before the Jefferson County Historical Society on May 10, 1887 by
Mrs. Elijah J. Clark and was published in the Jefferson County
Journal.
This is an exciting and interesting history of the early settlement of
the village of Adams, Jefferson County, New York as told by one who was
there.

The
original booklet published
by the Historical Society of South Jefferson in 1999 was dedicated to
all
the pioneers who left their homes in New England and travelled through
the dense forest to settle Jefferson County, NY.

REMINISCENSES OF
ADAMSBy Elijah J. ClarkMay 10, 1887

Samuel Fox cleared the 1st
acre of
ground in the town of Adams in 1800. Here he built a log house
and
the same year brought his young wife, then but seventeen years of age,
from Rome, Oneida County. While on a visit to her parents in
1801,
their eldest son was born, and when she returned to Adams, my mother
(Anna
William), who was her younger sisters, was sent to accompany her.
They came through on horseback by the aid of marked trees. Mrs.
Fox
carrying her infant child in her arms. To pass through an
unbroken
forest on horseback with a baby in her arms was was a feat which I
think
few lady equestrians of the present day, however accomplished they may
be, would care to undertake, but in this way my aunt and my mother
returned
several times to visit their parents before vehicles could pass over
the
road. Mr. and Mrs. Fox remained upon this farm for about fifty
years,
raising a family of twelve children. When the State Road was
surveyed,
Mr. Fox found that his house had bee located some distance from it and
he was obliged to open and maintain a private road. This he found
no easy task, particularly during the deep snows of winter. Those
familiar with John G. Whittier's poem entitled "Snow Bound", can form
some
idea of the labor performed by Mr. Fox and his 8 sons during his
residence
of 50 years upon this farm.

In 1807 my mother was married to my
father,
David Wright, who together with his father and three brothers, Elijah,
Harry and Stephen, had emigrated from Deerfield, Mass. in 1804.
Their
wedding was celebrated in the house of Mr. and Mrs. Fox. The
bride
was attired for the nuptials in the upper apartments, descending upon a
ladder to meet the expectant groom. They soon repaired to a of
their
own in the vicinity, where they spent their honeymoon and where the
remained
until after the birth of their second child, W. W. W., now of Geneva,
NY.

My mother often referred to those
days as among
the happiest of her life. Her anticipation's of the future were
as
bright and her present as fraught with happiness as many a bride who
has
commenced life amid the splendors and gaiety of modern days.

Daniel Fox, and elder brother of
Samuel, settled
upon a farm on the opposite side of Sandy Creek in 1800. Here he
lived 73 years, and here he died in 1873 at the advanced age of 102
years.
He belonged to a hardy race and led a useful and active life. He
was the father of two sons and four daughters, outliving both his
sons.
Three of his daughters still survive him, among who is (Elvira) the
widow
of the late John C. Cooper, former President of the Agricultural
Insurance
Company of Watertown.

My grandfather, Westwood Wright, in
his emigration
from Massachusetts, was accompanied by two of his brothers, Moses and
Carmi,
who with their families settled in the town, and the name of Wright
became
so common that one road leading from the village was occupied for a
long
distance by those only who bore that name, and is still known as Wright
Street.

Those emigrating from Massachusetts
had all
been reared and educated in the Presbyterian faith, and for many years
their Sabbath commenced with the setting of the sun on Saturday
night.
So strictly had they been accustomed to keep the day, that I have often
heard my father speak of the anxiety with which he was wont to watch
the
sun in his boyhood days as it slowly sank from view, ending the long
Sabbath,
as its disappearance was the signal for an outbreak of pent up mirth
that
had accumulated during the preceeding 24 hours. Gradually the
custom
came into disuse, and Sabbath commenced as now on the 1st day of the
week.

Zachleus Walsworth was among the
number of pioneers
settlers. He was a good man and much loved by his neighbors,
among
who he was a favorite and ever welcome on account of his ready wit, for
which he was renowned. In the years that followed, when cook
stoves
began to take the place of the old time fireplaces --- when the farmers
began to see there valuable timber fading each year from before their
eyes,
vanishing in smoke and ashes, affording comparatively little warmth for
the amount consumed --- Mr. Walsworth concluded to test the economy of
the stove. He had not ready cash required for the purchase,
and he resolved to ask for the stove and pay for it when he could
effect
a sale of his expected crops. He accordingly went to Watertown,
and
going into the hardware store of Norris M. Woodruff, selected a stove,
asking to be trusted for a certain length of time. "But," said
Mr.
Woodruff, "I don't know you." "Neither do I know you," replied
Mr.
Walsworth," "but if you are willing to risk it, I will." Mr.
Woodruff
was so much amused with the witticism that the stove was sold and the
pay
received at the stipulated time.

David Smith was another of the
early settlers
in the town and had large contracts for land, a portion of which now
constitutes
Adams village. He built the first mills, a saw mill and a grist
mill,
and the settlement was then known as Smith's Mills. Mr. Smith was
left a widower in early life and afterwards married a widow Salisbury
(Elizabeth).
At the time of this marriage their united families numbered ten
children.
Four were afterwards born to them, constituting what would now be
thought
rather a numerous family. Mr. Smith was, however, a successful
business
man, proving himself abundantly able to provide for his numerous
progeny.
One of his sons, David Smith, and a daughter Mrs. Ward Hunt
(Elizabeth),
still reside in Adams.

Some of the farms through which the
State Road
was surveyed running east from the village were cleared and owned for
many
years by John Coles, Jacob Kellogg and Francis McKee. On the
north
were David Hale, William Benton and Stephen Baker.

The Stephen Baker Family consisted
of two sons
and nine daughters. These daughters all grew to womanhood, were
married,
and with the exception of two, left families. They were all noted
for their thrifty habits, but more particularly for their personal
beauty.
I can remember them all, and fail to recall so much beauty ever
lavished
upon one family as fell to the lot of these ladies. But one is
living,
Mrs. Colburn, and she resides near Rochester. Most of them lived
and died in their native town. One of the elder sisters (Lydia)
became
the wife of Elihu Morton, another (Betsey) of Cyrus Eddy, who were
among
the earliest and most successful business men of the town. The
first
piano ever brought to Adams was purchased by Elihu Morton for his only
daughter. This was in 1832, the first year the Asiatic Cholera
invaded
our shores. Mr. Morton's eldest sons fell victim to the disease
in
Buffolo, and hoping to diver the mind of his wife in a measure from her
great sorrow, he was induced to make the purchase. Others were
soon
purchased by T. C. Chittendon, William Doxtater and other, and
eventually
Adams became a very musical town.

Wells Benton, who was at one time
Sheriff of
Jefferson County, succeeded to the ownership of the farm owned by his
father,
William Benton, and is still owned and occupied by his two daughters.

During the early years bread was
made mostly
from cornmeal, although wheat was soon raised and shortbread became
abundant.
Salt pork was a standard article. Sugar from the maple, pumpkins
and potatoes, with plenty of milk and cream, constituted their
living.
Fruit of any description was a luxury and not to be thought of in those
days. Cows roamed at will through the forest, and if by chance
they
failed to return home at the accustomed hour in the tinkle of the bell
suspended from their necks by a leather strap designated the place
where
they lingered. Leeks, which were a species of onion, grew wild in
profusion, and as the cows cropped their tender sprouts in the early
spring
and summer, their milk and the butter sometimes became offensive, and
to
obviate this difficulty a fresh leek if bitten, would overcome the
flavor
transmitted to the butter. Unlike the children of Israel, who
remembered
with sorrow the leeks and onions they had left in Egypt, the settlers
of
Adams found abundant supply. An article known as pearlash was
used
in place of soda, and when this could not be obtained they sometimes
burned
corn-cobs, whose ashes formed as alkali that took its place.
Saleratus
was, I think, first introduced about 1830.

Peter Doxtater came to Adams from
the German
Flats (near Herkimer) in 1800. He cleared a farm about a mile
from
where the village now stands. He was the father of three sons and
one daughter, whose names were as follows: George, William, Peter
and Elizabeth. George succeeded to the paternal farm.
William
became a successful merchant in Adams village, and was the father of R.
B. Doxtater, the first superintendent of the Rome and Watertown
Railroad.
Peter, the youngest son, spent most of his life in Adams, where he
engaged
in different enterprises and is remembered as a most efficient and
valuable
citizen. His widow, who still survives him, is the last living
member
of the family, and is now in her 88th year. Elizabeth became the
wife of Elijah Wright, who came from Deerfield, Mass. in 1804.
The
early life of Peter Doxtater, the father, was somewhat eventful.
During the French and Indian Wars he was taken prisoner by the Indians
when he was about 4 years of age. The settlers having become
alarmed
at the approach of the Indian hordes, fled with their children to a
block
house of fortress for safety, and while returning to secure their
provisions,
skulking Indians stole their children. It is said that when the
mother
of Mr. Doxtater learned the fate of her child, her agony was so intense
that she wrung her hands until the joints of her fingers became
dislocated.
The children were neither scalped or burned, nor were they unkindly
treated.
Mr. Doxtater remained among them until he learned their habits and
their
modes of warfare, forgetting his native tongue. After the close
of
the war the children were redeemed and returned to their parents.
Mr. Doxtater afterwards served as a soldier in the revolutionary war,
and
his knowledge of Indian warfare caused a bounty to be offered for his
recapture.
The old man was fond of relating the incident of being one day in a
field
fettering a colt. As he stooped to adjust the fetter he espied
and
Indian lurking in the bushes nearby, cautiously watching for an
opportunity
to pounce upon his coveted prey. With wonderful presence of mind,
Mr. D., while appearing to be still engaged in securing the feet of the
horse, unclasped the fetters, and springing upon the back o the fleet
animal,
made his escape while arrows from the Indian's bow went whizzing past
his
head. Mr. Doxtater spent the rest of his life upon his farm in
Adams.
He died in 1842 at the advanced age of 92 years, and his remains lie
buried
in Rural Cemetery.

In 1814 David Wright purchased a
mill site fifty
or sixty rods above that owned by David Smith. Here he erected a
saw mill and a carding and fulling mill. For eight years it
proved
a remunerative business, but in the spring of 1822 a freshet swept the
away. He had heared that the sawmill might be in danger and he
had
removed such machinery and articles of value as he could, but supposing
the other mill to be safe he had taken no such precaution. As the
huge cakes of ice were borne down the rapid stream, the sawmill went to
pieces, and striking the corner of the carding mill, that, too, sailed
away without being demolished until it reached Smith's dam. Soon
after it set sail a lone cat appeared upon the roof, uttering piteous
cries
for help, but she was past all human aid, and was soon buried with the
debris at the bottom of the dam. The mills were afterwards
rebuilt
by other parties, I think by William and Thomas Grinnell. Later,
the carding mill was converted into and establishment for the
manufacture
of woolen cloths, and was owned and operated for many years by Willet
R.
Willis. In 1848 a bridge was constructed across the stream at
this
point, converting what had hitherto been a short lane into a convenient
thoroughfare.

In 1817 Jefferson County Bank was
located at
Adams, but in 1819 it was moved to Watertown. The large and
Commodious
building erected for its use remains and is still a fine
structure.
It was purchased by Mr. Doxtater and for many years was used as a
tenement
house. At the marriage of his son, R. B. Doxtater, it was
remodeled
inside and converted into a handsome and convenient residence which Mr.
Doxtater occupied until his removal to Rome. It was afterwards
purchased
by Alonzo Maxan and is still owned and occupied by his heirs. Its
exterior remains unchanged. This and the Whitcomb residence are
the
only houses I recall built in those early days that have not undergone
changes which have destroyed their original appearance.

A row of old-time popular trees,
whose towering
heights seemed almost to cleave the clouds, once bordered the walk
extending
from the lower corner of the church lot to that now owned by Mr.
Kenyon.
As the offered little shade, they were long since cut down and replaced
by the maple, thus obliterating another ancient landmark.

Previous to the completion of the
railroad in
1851, all freight was brought by teams either from Sackets Harbor or
Rome.
After the farmers had completed their spring plowing and their early
crops
were sown, they often found time to send their teams through for loads
of goods, thereby earning a few extra dollars. To Rome, the
nearest
route lay through the town of Redfield, and this was usually traveled
by
private conveyances, as it lessened the distance by several
miles.
When I was a child I was taken for an annual visit to my grandparents,
who resided in Rome, Oneida County. At my earliest recollection,
there was nine miles of thick dense forest to pass through, unbroken
save
by the narrow road, so narrow that teams were able to pass each other
only
at points where it had been widened for that purpose. These were
known as the Redfield nine-mile woods. They were infested by
bears,
and although I never saw one there, I have seen their footprints in the
soft loam where they had crossed our pathway. Like most children
I had a mortal terror or being eaten by bears, and I was always
delighted
to emerge from these woods in safety. This locality was noted for
its deep snows in winter and for the enormous size and quantity of its
mosquitoes in summer, some of which it was said attained the size of
small
turkeys. So little sunlight pierced the gloom of this forest that
snow was often seen as late as May day, and sometimes later.

The Stage Route lay through
Pulaski, Williamstown
and Camden. This was the only mode of public conveyance and was
considered
a very genteel one. The coach was drawn by 4 handsome, well-fed
horses,
usually bedecked with red and yellow tassels at their ears. The
coach
was painted yellow and highly varnished, while designs of art were
displayed
upon its side and doors. It was an object of great attraction to
those who were so fortunate as to dwell upon its direct pathway.
Children formed in line upon the roadside, making low bows and
courtesies,
as it passed, while the ploughboy in sudden sympathy for the tired
beasts
gave them a breathing spell while he mounted the nearest rail fence to
watch the approach of the shining vehicle. Each day its advent
into
the village was healded by the blowing of a tine horn, which
reverberated
through the little hamlet bringing women and children to the doors and
windows to catch a glimpse of the handsome equipage, while men gathered
in groups upon the sidewalks and about the postoffice to gain news from
the outside world and ascertain if there were any new arrivals.

The ChurchesIn 1804 a society of Baptists was formed in
the vicinity of what is known as the State Road Church, about a mile
east
of Adams Center. In 1824 a church was erected and the pulpit
occupied
for many years by Rev. Joshua Freeman.

Elder Freeman was a man possessing
much native
talent, and he was renown not only for his goodness and piety, but for
his quick and ready wit. This he inherited to a great extent from
his mother. The family emigrated to Adams from near Western
Oneida
County. The bright intellect of the old lady and the peculiar
independence
with which she avowed her sentiments rendered her a pleasing companion
and she was ever a welcome guest at the fireside of her friends.
She was an Eminently pious woman and an active worker in the
church.
She was also an earnest searcher of scriptures, forming her own
conclusions
irrespective of popular commentaries, evincing a great desire for
knowledge
of the future world, and one of her favorite expressions was, "Oh! for
a peep into futurity." She was an inveterate snuff taker, and the
peculiar nasal tone caused by this indulgence was a source of much
amusement
to the younger members of the families where she visited. Her
memory
was wonder-fully retentive and she could repeat poetry by the
hour.
How vividly I recall the picture of her aged formed bowed with the
weight
of age - her wrinkled visage and her withered lips as she sat with her
favorite pinch of snuff, and in her shaky voice repeated among other
verses
the following lines:

"They talk of heaven
and they talk
of hell, But what they mean no tongue
can tell."

She was particularly anxious to see
the sisters
in the church take an active part in prayer and conference meetings,
and
she sometimes became indignant at their apparent apathy in the good
cause.
Once, on the occasion of a weekly prayer meeting, a sister was called
upon
to offer the prayer, but she declined, a second and third made a like
refusal.
Almost in despair the leader said, "Sister Freeman, can't you
pray?"
"Yes. she replied with much indignation in her tones, "I can, but I
won't."
Elder Freeman, her son, was apt to dwell much in his Sermons upon
baptism
and immersion as its only mode. It chanced one day that he was
standing
outside a public building, when pattering drops of rain began to fall,
causing the elder to seek shelter inside. "Why, elder," remarked
a bystander, "I thought you believed in water." "I do," he
quickly
replied, "but not in sprinkling." At another time while preaching
he became much annoyed with his slumbering congregation. Pausing
a moment he directed his gaze intently upon the boys in the gallery,
saying,
"Boys, be very quiet or your will disturb the sleepers in the body of
the
church."

The Presbyterian ChurchIn 1804 a Presbyterian Society was
organized
at Adams village, but no place of worship was erected until 1815.
Then a contract was made for a building one story high, forty-five feet
long and twenty-eight wide. Subscriptions were paid in building
material,
cash, wheat or corn. The largest subscription was $100. and the
smallest
$1. It was completed by the first of the next January. It
was
clapboarded, shingled and windows put in, but contained no means of
heating.
Two years later stoves were added. The above facts I glean from
the
sermon Rev. Mr. Root, on the occasion of the rededication of the church
in 1884. In 1827 this church was sold to the Methodist Society,
and
removed to the opposite side of the street. A new one was then
built
on the same site, and is still occupied by the Presbyterian
denomination.
It was a grand old structure, and would to credit to an architect of
the
present day. I had undergone many repairs and many changes, but
not
until 1884, was the last charm of its antiquity destroyed by its modern
reconstruction. Then, its towering steeple was laid low, and the
last familiar look of the dear old church, so hallowed by memories of
other
days, disappeared. The clear, sweet tones of the bell the swung
in
that steeple called us to school, dismissed us at noon, warned us of
the
hour of nine at night, and its solemn knell told us when a spirit had
taken
its fight to the unseen world. When death occurred, it was rung
rapidly
a few moments to attract the attention of the people, then, after a
short
pause, its slow and solemn strokes represented the years numbered by
the
deceased. After another pause, one was added if the deceased was
male, if a female, there were two. There was no daily paper, and
thus, to some extent, the bell was made to serve in its place. I
confess to a lingering preference for the bell, inasmuch as it could
not
give utterance to the poetry we frequently see attached to obituary
notices.
All funerals were held in the church. The tolling of the bell
signaled
the departure of the procession from the home, thence from the church
to
the grave. Doleful words set to music in the minor key were sung,
a sermon was preached, closing with and address to the mourners, which,
I regret to say, did not always contain comforting words. The
remains
were then carried outside, where they were exposed to view, and where,
in the presence of eager, curious eyes, friends bade a last farewell to
their loved ones. No bright flowers served as emblems of the
beauty
of a life beyond, and the desolate mourners to often returned to their
homes with little or nothing to inspire hope. Contrasting these
customs
with the obsequies of the late lamented Henry Ward Beecher, where
flowers
were substituted for crepe, it must be con-ceded the change is
admirable.

Calvin Fox rang the bell for more
that 30 years,
and it was said that 20 seconds were the most he was ever known to
vary.
His time was regulated by Henry Whitcomb, and this is a sufficient
guarantee
for the truth of the assertion. The sun may have varied, but
Henry
Whitcomb never.

In 1828 the church was struck by
lightning.
It was at the close of a sultry afternoon in July. It was on
Friday,
and a service had been appointed to be held at 5 p.m. by an Episcopal
clergyman
from Sackets Harbor, who occupied the pulpit together with the Rev.
John
Sessions, who was then pastor of the church. The news was soon
circulated
among the inhabitants that such a service would be held, and many
availed
themselves of the opportunity, and at the appointed time gathered at
the
church. A portentous cloud the boded a fearful storm was seen to
hover over the village, and as there was a lightning-rod attached to
the
church, some sought it as a place of safety. The services were
not
far advanced, when the storm burst in its fury. Flash after flash
of vivid lightning was seen, while the deafening peals of thunder
drowned
at intervals the speakers voice. Suddenly a fiery bolt struck the
rod, and breaking it in twain, entered the building in a fearful
manner.
Plastering was torn from the ceilings, glass was shattered to atoms,
and
many of the pillar supporting the long gallery were shivered so fine as
to be worthless. All the long line of stovepipe center in the
large
drum in the body of the church fell to the floor, and the corner of the
building was rent asunder many feet. Miraculous as it may appear,
no one was injured save by fright. Every one fled from the
church,
few ever being able to tell how they escaped. It was said Mr.
Sessions
jumped over the top of his high pulpit, but probably the reverend
gentlemen
knew no better than other how he escaped from the building, his only
thought
for the moment being for his wife, who had been in the body of the
church,
and who with bonnet in hand was fleeing up the street mid torrents of
rain
toward home and children; whence the worth divine followed in hot
pursuit,
calling loudly after her ---- dignity of manner being for the time laid
aside. Although a small child, I had been taken to the church and
I could never recall anything except the dense smoke, strongly
impregnated
with brimstone, and I imagined myself transported to the realms which I
had been taught to believe awaited all bad children, and I doubtless
fell
to wondering what I had done to merit such a fearful retribution.
When the electric current left the church it spent its fury in the
ground,
ploughing a deep furrow several rods in the graveled sidewalk where but
a few moments before human feet had trod. Two swine who were
quietly
wending their way homeward fell a sacrifice and were instantly
converted
into roast pig. It had been predicted that a comet would fall on
that day, causing an unacknowledged fear in the minds of many, and many
supposed that a collision had actually taken place between the earth
and
the fiery tail of the comet. The church was repaired, but for
many
years marks of the destroyer were plainly visible.

A Methodist Society was formed in
Adams village
in 1828. One of the trustees appointed at that time was Zephaniah
Tucker. The building formerly occupied by the Presbyterians was
purchased
for their use. During the 2 succeeding years the depended upon
itinerant
preachers, but in consequence of the many obstacles they had
encountered,
and the difficulties they saw were yet to be overcome, a petition was
forwarded
to conference in 1830, asking that an experienced clergyman be assigned
to the charge. With pleasing anticipation they looked forward to
the advent of a man of large experience and wisdom to instruct them the
coming year. Near the close of a day in early June, a boyish form
was seen slowly riding up the long street now known as Church
Street.
He sat upon a sorrel colt whose youth was as apparent as that of his
rider.
Many a curious gaze was directed toward him, as a stranger upon the
streets
of the rural hamlet was not a common occurrence. Stopping by the
wayside he inquired for a well-known Methodist borther, and it was at
once
suspected that his youth might be the new minister, and sarcastic
smiles
were seen to rest upon the faces of those who looked upon this new seat
as a rather unnecessary innovation in their midst. It was with
ill-concealed
disappointment that the elder Methodist members beheld in this
boy,
who then numbered by 19 summers, him who was to guide and direct their
spiritual interests in place of the wise and descreet elderly man they
were prepared to meet. Wisely concluding, however, to suspend
their
judgment until a later day, they awaited patiently for the Sabbath,
when
an opportunity would be afforded to test the ability of the new
preacher.
The day arrived, and with failing hearts the little band wended their
way
to their accustomed seats---one side of the building being occupied by
the men, while the opposite side was reserved for the ladies, as was
then
the custom. The new minister entered the pulpit, he offered a
prayer
and read a hymn. The he selected text, and a flow of eloquence,
the
like of which they had never listened to, fell from the lips of the
youth.
With wondering eyes and open ears, and I might add open mouths, for
they
drank in every word, the sat unable to conceal their astonishment.

His fame soon spread abroad, and at
times the
church was found inadequate to contain the numbers drawn thither to
hear
gospel proclaimed by this singularly gifted man. Large numbers
were
added to the church, and from this time its prosperity was established,
and I am told that its members now exceed those of any church in
Adams.
This young clergyman was Rev. William Ward Ninde. During his
residence
in Adams he married Miss Mary More, of Lowville, and Bishop Xavier W.
Ninde,
their eldest son, was born in Adams.

The first society of Baptists
formed in the
village of Adams was organized by the efforts of Rev. Charles Clark, in
the spring of 1847. The Church was built in the same summer and
dedicated
the following winter. Mr. Clark occupied the pulpit until
1850,
when he removed to Oneida, and subsequently to Rome, where he died in
the
1852. Several clergymen of distinguished ability have since
occupied
the pulpit, among whom were Revs. Adam Cleghorn and the late M.C.
Manning.
The building has since been replaced by a handsome brick
structure.
Of its history otherwise since that time I am uninformed.

By the efforts of Henry B. Whipple
and others,
Emmanuel Episcopal Church was built in 1849. Of its history I
know
little, as I left Adams not many years after its erection. Its
pulpit
is now occupied by Rev. Mr. Cooke.

Amusements in the early days of
Adams were comparatively
few. A portion of the second floor of every hotel was devoted to
a ball room, and dancing was about the only mode of entertainment.

The large ship at Sackets Harbor,
whose completion
was abandoned at the close of the war (1812), and the house which was
erected
over it for its protection, became objects of great interest and
curiosity
to the people, particularly to the young men and maidens of the
surrounding
country, and fortunate was in the young lady who received an invitation
to ride to Sackets Harbor on the Fourth of July to see the shiphouse.

The gallantry of some of the
country swains,
however might be considered somewhat questionable by the young ladies
of
the present day. A story was once related of a youth who invited
2 young maidens to accompany him on such an excursion. When the
eventful
morning arrived he "tackled up" and going to the home of No. one
he found her awaiting his coming at the open door. Assisting her
to a seat in the one horse vehicle the twain proceeded to the residence
of No. two. Halting at the bars, which served in the place of a
gate,
he waited for her also to make her appearance at the door, but she was
no where visible. Having waited a short time, he cooly remarked
that
he guessed she was not going or she would be out, and drove away
without
her, leaving the disappointed maiden to celebrate the glorious day all
be herself. During my own girlhood dancing was not popular,
progressive
euchre was unknown, and "other habits of the people were good."
There
was no opera house, no public hall, but there was a red school house,
and
in that were held "at early candle light" spelling schools, singing
schools
and debating schools.

The celebration of the Fourth of
July was a
gala day to the inhabitants at this period. It was anticipated
weeks
in advance. Maidens bleached their own muslins in the nightly
dews
until their whiteness rivaled the purest snow. They were
carefully
stiffened in a starch manufactured at home from the best pinkeye
potatoes,
and no vestige of a wrinkle was allowed to appear on their sullied
surface.
Veterans of seventy-six (1776) appeared in such portions of the
uniforms
as had outlived the decay of age. Words of thanks and praise for
the liberties they enjoyed were offered by the orator of the day.
Processions, accompanied by music, filed thro' the streets, and public
dinner was enjoyed by all. I distinctly remember a celebration
which
took place in 1831. There were then 24 states in the Union.
A corresponding number of young girls were selected to represent these
states. Garlands of flowers and green leaves, each bearing the
name
of the state, were worn upon their heads. All the revolutionary
soldiers
of this and adjacent towns were gathered together to attend the
festivities
of the day. A procession was formed at the old stone tavern where
the Huson house now stands. Heading this procession was the
music,
next in order were the veteran soldiers of the revolution, following
them
were the little maidens, bearing in their palms miniature banners
of our national colors. In front of the original and high pulpit
at the Presbyterian church, a platform had been raised which was
covered
with striped yarn carpet, fresh from the loom of some thrifty
neighboring
matron. As the old soldiers field into the front seats, the
little
girls ascended the platform, facing the ancient heroes they sang:

"Hail Columbia happy land,
Hail, ye heroes, Heaven horn band."

The maidens were arranged according
to the size
of the state they represented. The 2 eldest were the late Mrs.
George
Fairbanks, of St. Augustine, Florida, and Mrs. Mary A. Butler, of
Detroit,
both of whom were natives of Adams. They represented New York and
Pennsylvania. The 2 youngest were the present Mrs. A.P. Sigourney
of Watertown and myself, and we represented New Hampshire and Rhode
Island.
When the exercises at the church were ended the order of march was
resumed
and we repaired to a grove in the year of William Doxtater were a
dinner
was served, which embraced the usual roast pig, together with an
abundant
supply of frosted pound cake, decorated with colored sugar sand and
caraway
comfits. Appropriate toasts were drank and happiness reigned
complete.
Various amusements were provided among which the swing had the greatest
attraction for the girl. Greased pigs and poles formed no part in
the celebrations, not being thought particularly emblematic of the
national
glory of honor. Next in importance to the Fourth of July, was
"General
Training." This I think fell in September. All the
different
military companies from the surrounding towns assembled in the
village.
Their gay uniforms with their high feathers of red, black and white;
the
prancing horses and the brilliant epaulettes and flashing swords of the
officers, accompanied by the martial music of fife and drum, marching
through
the streets to the stains of "Bonaparte's March" or the "Girl I Left
Behind
Me," while hordes of boys and gingerbread vendors followed in the rear,
presented a scene which, to say the least, was inspiring.

Adams was the birthplace of Henry
B. Whipple,
the present Episcopal Bishop of Minnesota. He was the eldest son
of John H. Whipple. Here the Bishop spent his boyhood days and
his
early married life. Mrs. Whipple was also a native of Adams, the
daughter of Judge Benjamin Wright. As a merchant and politician
in
his native town Mr. Whipple spent several years subsequent to his
marriage.
During these years Mr. and Mrs. Whipple contributed largely to the
social
pleasures of the little village, and although surrounded with the cares
incident to business and the little family that soon gathered at
their board, they yet found time to remember the afflicted, and their
names
became a household word among the sick, the poor and the needy.
Although
successful in his business undertakings Mr. Whipple's impressions of
duty,
coupled with ardent love for the church, caused him to abandon them,
and
disposing of this attractive home he sought an humble abode where he
quickly
devoted himself to a preparation for the noble work he had
chosen.
He early evinced a taste and talent for literary work, and in 1844,
while
on an extended southern tour contributed to the press of his native
town
descriptions of the south as it then was, which were read with
great
interest, and were well remembered in after years. Mrs. Whipple
was
a lady of culture, having enjoyed superior advantages in early life
which
rendered her eminently qualified for the position she has since
occupied.
Mr. Whipple afterwards became rector of Zion's Church at Rome, Oneida
County,
and was subsequently elected Bishop of Minnesota. His noble work
among the Indians is well known.

The Rev. Jededia Burchard, although
never a
settled pastor at Adams, labored much among its people as an
evangelist,
often meeting with marked success in adding large numbers to the
church.
Although a man possessed of many eccentricities, the people felt
the utmost confidence in his sincerity and goodness. He was a
firm
believer in the efficacy of prayer and in the promise that if he asked
in faith he would receive. He was therefore accustomed to ask the
Lord to grant his desire whether of a spiritual or temporal
nature.
Believing that cleanliness was next to Godliness he became at one time
much annoyed with the untidyness of his kitchen servant. He had
expostulated
and commanded without avail, and he one day added to his prayer, "Oh,
Lord,
make Bridge keep the sink clean." He told the deacon, who was my
informant, that there was straightwith a visible improvement in that
direction.
Mr. Buchard was much attached to the people of Adams, and in after
years
purchased a home and spent the remaining portion of his life among
them.
He died in 1864 and was buried in Rural Cemetery.

Other Prominent CitizensSamuel Bond and Perley D. Stone came to
Adams
in 1817 and entered into a partnership in the manufacturing of
furniture.
This partnership continued 45 years. During all these years they
kept no business account between themselves, making equal a division of
money and such produce and barter as the received exchange for their
wares.

Seth Gaylord came to Adams in 1808
and is remembered
as a worth and industrious citizen an exemplary member of the
Presbyterian
Church. His first grandson, B.D. Babcock, is the recently elected
Mayor of the city of Cleveland.

Judge T.C. Chittenden was a member
of the bar
of Jefferson County where he practiced his profession for many
years.
He was elected to Congress in 1838 and again in 1840. He was also
appointed Judge of Jefferson County. He later moved to Watertown
where he resided until his death in 1868.

Daniel Wardwell was an older man
and served
creditably in the state legislature and afterwards in Congress.

Calvin Skinner was also a prominent
lawyer at
Adams and was the last judge to be appointed by the governor.
They
were afterwards elected by the people.

Henry Whitcomb come early to
Adams. He
learned the jewelers' trade at Geneva, New York, and afterwards
returned
to Adams where he married and resided. He possessed great
ingenuity
and few people in Adams or its vicinity came to purchase a timepiece
that
had not been approved by Henry Whitcomb. He exact to a moment in
his calculation of time, and for many years he regulated the time of
the
Rome and Watertown Railroad with great precision. His service was
much appreciated by the officers of the railroad and they were once
acknowledged
by the presentation of an elegant gold watch which was highly valued by
Mr. Whitcomb. He moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1886 at the home
of
his daughter, Mrs. J.P. Mann, and in September 1886 his remains
were
brought to Adams for his burial.

Among the early and successful
merchants of
Adams were William Doxtater. John H. Whipple and M.V.V.
Rosa.
The two former lived and died in Adams. Here Mr. Rosa accumulated
much of his wealth. He was an exceedingly honest and upright
citizen.
He removed to Watertown during the later years of his life where he
resided
with his son, the late Dr. Rosa, until his death.

Eli Eastman was the first physician
who practiced
in town. Later his contemporaries were Dr. John Wetmore and Dr.
Walter
Webb. THe later still living at an advanced age.

In conclusion I refer to the
cemeteries, Rural
and Elmwood, which deserve credit upon the taste of the people of Adams
village. Elmwood's location is particularly favorable. Its
graveled paths among miniature hills and vales, a pastoral stream flows
through its borders, its abundant shade while flowering shrubs and
evergreens
add much to its beauty. Many deceased already sleep within its
borders,
their final resting place is marked by elegant monuments and other
fitting
emblems of remembrance. In 1848 a formal association was formed
un
the name of Rural Cemetery, and several acres of ground were added to
the
original place of burial. Many handsome and beautiful monuments
are
found here, among which are those of R.B. Doxtater, Judge Skinner,
Judge
Wm. C. Thompson, C. Cooper, Wm. A. Gilbert, Erastus Hale, J. Griswold
and
many more. Many a hero of seventy-six lies buried here and here
also
sleep many who died for our Union. Here we have laid to rest
parents,
our neighbors and our friends, their loved forms have long since turned
away to dust. As I revisit this spot and tread among the graves
of
ones once so dear whose numbers now exceed those whose who familiar
faces
are among the living, I am reminded of the words of the old song:
"Grass grows on the master's grave
The Spring of the brook is dry;
And of all the boys that were schoolmates
There are only you and I."

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